Prime Video today announced April 3 as the worldwide premiere date of its Prime Original lighthearted drama Maa Ka Sum. Directed by Nicholas Kharkongor and produced by Babita Ashiwal under the banner of Eunoia Films, this heartwarming series celebrates the refreshing bond between a single mother and her 19-year-old son, built on friendship, mutual trust, and the freedom to support each other as they grow together. View this post on Instagram A post shared by prime video IN (@primevideoin) About Maa Ki Sum Written by Ravinder Randhawa and Sumrit Shahi, Maa Ka Sum stars the versatile and talented Mona Singh, along with Mihir Ahuja, Angira Dhar, and Ranveer Brar in lead roles. The eight-episode series will premiere exclusively on Prime Video in Hindi with subtitles in Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam, across India and over 240 countries and territories worldwide on April 3. Maa Ka Sum follows Agastya, a bright math prodigy in his late teens, played by Mihir Ahuja, who sees the world through graphs, numbers, and algorithms. For him, every problem has a logical solution, even finding the perfect partner for his single mother, Vinita, portrayed by Mona Singh. Enter Project Mom: Equation ya Emotion? But what begins as Agastya’s carefully crafted plan soon turns into a quirky and heartwarming ride, where logic collides with real emotions, unexpected encounters, and the unpredictability of life. With humour, warmth, and a touch of math, Maa Ka Sum offers a fresh and layered take on the mother-son dynamic. 'Tenderness, friction and quiet understanding' Producer Babita Ashiwal shared, “What drew me to this series was its warmth and the heartfelt way it looks at relationships. At its core, it’s the story of a boy in his late teens trying to make sense of love and adulting through math and data. It’s the kind of story that feels instantly relatable, full of humour, and the little lessons we all pick up while figuring life out. Maa Ka Sum is a wholesome family watch that promises to entertain everyone, from young adults to older audiences.” “Stories rooted in relationships have a timeless appeal because they reflect emotions and bonds that feel deeply universal,” said Nikhil Madhok, Director & Head of Originals, Prime Video India. “At the heart of Maa Ka Sum is a mother-son relationship portrayed with a rare freshness and emotional depth. This series captures the tenderness, friction, and quiet understanding of this bond in an honest and deeply relatable way. Mona and Mihir are terrific in their roles. We are delighted to bring this story to our customers across the world on April 3rd.”
25 March,2026 01:08 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe makers of Bridgerton have set Francesca (Hannah Dodd) and Michaela Stirling (Masali Baduza) as the leads for Season 5 of the Shonda Rhimes-created Netflix period romance, reported Variety. On Tuesday, Netflix unveiled a first-look teaser for the fifth season of the series, which is based on Julia Quinn's romance novels about the love lives of the eight siblings in the titular Bridgerton family, and announced production had begun in the UK on the eight-episode season. "The fifth season of Bridgerton spotlights introverted middle daughter Francesca (Hannah Dodd). Two years after losing her beloved husband John, Fran decides to reenter the marriage mart for practical reasons. But when John's cousin Michaela (Masali Baduza) returns to London to tend to the Kilmartin estate, Fran's complicated feelings will have her questioning whether to stick to her pragmatic intentions or pursue her inner passions," reported Variety, citing Netflix's description. Netflix shared the series announcement on their Instagram handle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Bridgerton (@bridgertonnetflix) Hannah Dodd as Francesca Stirling. Countess of Kilmartin: Reserved and contained, Francesca has long felt out of place in the world. As Michaela stirs up new feelings inside her, Fran will make discoveries about herself that could change everything. Masali Baduza as Michaela Stirling. Beneath Michaela's charming and vivacious exterior hides a vulnerable young woman who is quick to run the second she feels discomfort. But this season, Michaela must face her vulnerability head-on as she's forced to navigate her relationship to her late cousin's legacy and to Francesca. Bridgerton Season 4, which was released in two parts on Netflix between January and February, focused on the love story between Benedict Bridgerton (Luke Thompson) and Sophie Baek (Yerin Ha), reported Variety. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
25 March,2026 09:19 AM IST | Washington DC | ANIThe upcoming season of The Traitors is already generating buzz, and the excitement has only intensified with reports that several Bigg Boss winners will be part of its second edition. Bigg Boss winners under one roof According to reports, popular winners including Munawar Faruqui, Elvish Yadav, Shweta Tiwari, and Rubina Dilaik are set to compete in The Traitors 2. Their inclusion has raised anticipation levels, as all four are known for their strong personalities and impressive gameplay in their respective seasons. The show, which blends strategy, deception, and psychological gameplay, is expected to become even more intense this time. Contestants will not only have to complete tasks but also identify the “traitors” hidden among them, making trust and manipulation key elements of the game. Interestingly, the second season is reportedly being shot in Rajasthan, adding a grand and dramatic backdrop to the high-stakes competition. Along with the winners, familiar faces like Abhishek Malhan are also expected to join the lineup, further strengthening the reality TV-heavy cast. Each of these contestants brings a unique strength to the table. Munawar Faruqui, who won Bigg Boss 17, is known for his calm yet strategic approach. Elvish Yadav, the winner of Bigg Boss OTT 2, built a massive fan base with his bold personality and quick wit. Meanwhile, television stalwarts Shweta Tiwari and Rubina Dilaik are admired for their resilience and strong screen presence. Their participation sets the stage for an intense clash of minds, as seasoned reality show players go head-to-head in a format that tests not just physical endurance but also mental agility and emotional intelligence. All about Traitors The first season of The Traitors was widely appreciated for its unique concept and gripping gameplay, and the addition of such high-profile contestants is expected to take the second season a notch higher. Fans are already eager to see how alliances form, strategies unfold, and betrayals play out in this unpredictable game. With a mix of experience, popularity, and competitive spirit, The Traitors 2 promises to deliver high drama and edge-of-the-seat entertainment, making it one of the most anticipated reality shows of the year.
24 March,2026 01:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentCanadian actor Carrie Anne Fleming, best known for her appearances in popular horror television series Supernatural, has died at the age of 51. Fleming passed away on February 26 in Sidney, British Columbia, following complications from breast cancer. Her death was confirmed by her Supernatural co-star Jim Beaver to Variety. Born on August 16, 1974, in Digby, Nova Scotia, Fleming grew up in British Columbia, where she pursued her passion for the performing arts. She attended Mount Douglas Senior Secondary in Victoria and went on to study drama at Kaleidoscope Theatre and the Kidco Theatre Dance Company. Fleming began her career with a recurring role in the television series Viper and also appeared in the popular Adam Sandler film Happy Gilmore. Over the years, she built a steady body of work, often taking on smaller but memorable roles across film and television. Her breakthrough in the horror genre came when acclaimed Italian director Dario Argento cast her in the anthology series Masters of Horror in 2005. In the episode 'Jenifer,' Fleming portrayed a disfigured woman with cannibalistic tendencies, a performance that became one of her most recognised roles among genre audiences. Fleming went on to feature in several horror productions, including Supernatural, where she played Karen Singer, the wife of Bobby Singer. She also appeared in the television film The Unauthorized Full House Story, portraying the mother of actor Candace Cameron Bure, known for her role as DJ Tanner in the sitcom Full House. In recent years, Fleming gained renewed popularity for her recurring role as Candy Baker on the CW series iZombie, where she appeared over five seasons. Beyond screen work, she remained active in theatre, performing in British Columbia stage productions such as Noises Off, Romeo and Juliet, Steel Magnolias, and Fame. Fleming is survived by her daughter, Madalyn Rose (Max). As per Variety, a memorial service is expected to be announced at a later date. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
24 March,2026 10:29 AM IST | Washington | ANIIt started with a charcha over chai, but a one-episode narration by writer Divy Nidhi Sharma stretched to two hours. By the end of it, Divya Dutta was “moved, jumping in my seat, saying, ‘Yeh story karte hain’.” At the heart of Chiraiya lies a line that feels deceptively simple: Shaadi license nahin hai. The JioHotstar series unpacks what consent means within a marriage and confronts the reality of marital rape, which is yet to be criminalised by law. That instinctive pull came from the story’s core, which addresses normalised violence within marriages and the silence that sustains it, she says. “I think it’s a story where there’s a combined synergy from the platform, and director [Shashant Shah], who is very sensitive. You need sensitivity for a subject like this. It cannot be made any other way,” says the actor. Divya Dutta Dutta plays the ideal elder daughter-in-law, Kamlesh, who initially embodies everything the system expects of a married woman. But Kamlesh is also, as Dutta puts it, “a product of patriarchy.” She adds, “As women, we are conditioned by the system [since childhood]. Somewhere along the way, we start forming our own opinions about what is right and wrong.” What makes Kamlesh compelling is that she does not begin as a rebel. “She has been conditioned that this is what a happy family looks like,” Dutta notes. “Until someone shows her that this is not normal, she doesn’t question it. But [once aware], despite what’s at stake, she takes a stand.” One of the most difficult moments in the show is when she first hears her sister-in-law say that she was raped by Kamlesh’s brother-in-law. “[The shock] is the natural reaction,” Dutta says. Then comes denial. “You start thinking, maybe she misunderstood. There’s also that thought, yeh mere ghar mein nahin ho sakta. When you realise that it can happen, it hits you.” If the confrontation scenes are emotionally heavy, Kamlesh trying to harm herself to understand the survivor’s pain is almost unbearable. “When you are playing it, you’re not thinking you’re acting. You are living that life. I wanted to understand how it feels to be on the other side. I had asked the DoP [director of photography] and director to keep it for the last because it shook me up. I took some time to come back. [Realising that while] I am only living it for a month or two, there are people who live this life every day.” While Chiraiya does not claim to offer solutions, Dutta believes the problem stems from a “lack of listening”. “The husband is not listening to the wife when she says [no]. That’s where it begins. Respect is missing. Relationships are built on love, yes. But the fulcrum is respect. [That’s true] everywhere.” Who should watch? Divya Dutta feels women may connect with it, but the six-part series is ideally for men. “These are very normal men. You see [them] around. They are not bad, but their conditioning is such. Sometimes it’s not even about intent. It’s taken for granted,” notes the actor. Did you know? Divya Dutta’s ‘Chiraiya’ is a remake of the Bengali series ‘Sampurna’
24 March,2026 07:43 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuBanijay Asia, part of media and entertainment powerhouse Banijay Entertainment, is set to produce the first international adaptation of Talpa Studios’ bold reality format, The Alliance. The Hindi-language version, which will launch on Prime Video India as premium flagship content, exemplifies the "global to local" expertise Banijay Asia is known for. About The Alliance Now in its third successful year in the Netherlands, The Alliance has proven itself as a highly addictive reality format, driven by strategy, trust and constantly changing dynamics. The Indian adaptation promises a high-stakes social strategy arena, specifically reimagined for the Indian audience. In this version, one must keep their friends close, but their enemies closer, however, as alliances fracture and loyalties shift under pressure, the competition becomes a true test of character. In a cultural landscape where relationships are paramount, only one player can ultimately win the prize. In the Netherlands, The Alliance has become the best-performing long-running reality series on SBS6, consistently delivering strong ratings and engagement. Beginning 2026, it achieved a record breaking 20.8% market share (key demo 25-59), significantly outperforming the channel average. The format also ranks as the number one title on streaming platform KIJK and continues to generate strong online engagement across social media platforms, underlining its broad and loyal fanbase. Banijay Asia heads speak about The Alliance Deepak Dhar, Founder & Group CEO at Banijay Asia: “Banijay Asia has built longstanding, trusted relationships with streamers across India, and this commission reflects the confidence they place in our ability to deliver distinctive, high-value content. Prime Video India has been an important partner in this project, and is the perfect home for a format of this scale and ambition.” Sebastian van Barneveld, Director Global Distribution at Talpa Studios: "Proven in the Netherlands, dominating access prime time with the strongest ratings seen in the past three decades, this highly flexible Talpa Studios format brings together all our core strengths into one powerful show. Seeing The Alliance expand into India is a proud milestone for us. With Banijay Asia, we couldn’t have asked for a stronger launch partner in this genre.” Mrinalini Jain, Group Chief Development Officer, Banijay Asia & Endemol Shine India: “ At Banijay Asia, we constantly challenge ourselves to bring the region fresh, distinctive, culturally relevant and engaging entertainment, while continuing to push the envelope and shape the future of the entertainment landscape. We believe great content must travel and be celebrated, whilst being meaningfully localised to the cultures and audiences it serves. With our partners at Prime Video India who have always supported our vision, The Alliance reflects this ethos.”
23 March,2026 05:25 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter the superhit success of its Prime Video Original series, Daldal, starring Bhumi Pednekkar, Aditya Rawal and Samara Tijori, which trended No. 1 in India, Abundantia Entertainment released the action-drama film, Subedaar, directed by Suresh Triveni with Anil Kapoor, Radhikka Madan, Mona Singh, Saurabh Shukla and Faisal Malik. Within just 3 days of its release, Subedaar went on to smash all records to become the most-watched Indian Original movie on Prime Video and trended in as many as 31 countries worldwide, making it one of the biggest blockbusters on Indian streaming. About Sundar Poonam Abundantia announced its latest project - Sundar Poonam, a gripping romantic thriller, inspired by true incidents. The film stars powerhouse performer Sanya Malhotra and brings together Sanya and Abundantia once again after Shakuntala Devi. Hailed as one of the finest actors of her generation after delivering the superhits Mrs., Kathal and Paglait, Sundar Poonam will see Sanya essay a role that her fans have never seen before! Sundar Poonam also features current hot-favourite Aditya Rawal, who has recently become the talk of the town for his two distinct outings as Sajid in Daldal and the ultra-bad Prince in Subedaar. Adding to this excitement, Aditya Seal joins the cast. Sundar Poonam also marks a new creative collaboration for Abundantia with one of the creative industry’s most exciting young directors, Pulkit, who is known for titles like Bhakshak starring Bhumi Pednekkar, Maalik starring Rajkummar Rao and the upcoming film Kartavya starring Saif Ali Khan. Directed by Pulkit and written by Jyotsana Nath and Pulkit, Sundar Poonam brings together a strong creative vision, a layered storyline that travels from the stunning backdrops of snow-capped Kashmir to the stark, burning deserts of Rajasthan. The film is produced by Kumar Taurani and Vikram Malhotra and is a Tips Films Limited and Abundantia Entertainment Production. Sanya Malhotra talks about her character in Sundar Poonam Speaking of the project, Sanya Malhotra stated, ”Sundar Poonam is an incredibly exciting film for me as it brings me face-to-face with one of the most challenging roles I’ve taken on so far. It pushes me into an unexplored space as an actor. The character is layered, intense, and emotionally demanding, which instantly drew me in. Collaborating with Vikram and Abundantia Entertainment has always been incredibly fulfilling, and after Shakuntala Devi, I’m excited to begin a new chapter with them and Prime Video. Pulkit is an exceptionally talented director, and his sensitivity towards storytelling adds so much depth to the narrative. I’m looking forward to starting this journey and sharing a new side of myself with the audience.” Speaking about the project, Vikram Malhotra, Founder & CEO, Abundantia Entertainment, said: “Our partnership with Prime Video has consistently enabled us to tell stories that are distinctive, disruptive, and resonate with a wide audience. With Sundar Poonam, we are further strengthening this partnership by bringing a gripping romantic thriller that features Sanya Malhotra, one of my favourite actors, in a never-before-seen avatar. Inspired by chilling true events, the story is both compelling and entertaining, and I am excited to collaborate with Pulkit, whose work I have deeply admired, to bring this brilliant story to life.” With Sundar Poonam, Abundantia Entertainment continues to build a strong slate of premium, genre-breaking content, further cementing its position as a leading content studio.
23 March,2026 05:12 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Shailja Chaturvedi, known for Dil Dosti Finance, Dreamcatcher, and Fisaddi, is currently seen in Sankalp on MX Player, alongside Nana Patekar, Mohd. Zeeshan Ayyub and Kubbra Sait. Shailja Chaturvedi talks about her character in Sankalp Reflecting on what drew her to the project, she shared, “I moved to Mumbai in late 2022 from Hyderabad, after working on a few Telugu films like Madha, Major, and Seetha Ramam. Mumbai was a fresh territory to build my mark, and I auditioned as much as I could. Then a team member from Shruti Mahajan Casting called for this project by Prakash Jha. Playing the youth of Meghna Malik in a show by him was beyond exciting. Though the part is small, it felt hugely substantial, and I wanted to be important to the story. The opportunity was inspiring and close to my heart.” Speaking about her character, she explained, “I play Young Suhasini, a politically aware university student who is both rebellious and empathetic. She stands her ground and supports those she cares about, especially her friendship with Kanhaiya Lal, played by Nana Patekar. The role felt close to my own experiences, having studied at BHU, and the university setting in Prayagraj felt like home. This was very different from my previous roles, rooted in political thought and activism, making the journey exciting and deeply fulfilling.” Opening up about observing senior actors on set, she said, “Being part of the ensemble, I didn’t always share space with Nana Sir or Meghna Ma’am, but I observed their shoots closely. Acting is observing, and seeing their ease and mastery was like a live masterclass. I also joined team lunches and breaks to feel part of this fraternity. It gave me confidence and belief that I belong in this space, especially coming from a small-town background and transitioning from a corporate career.” Shailja Chaturvedi talks about her acting journey Opening about her acting journey, she says, “Honestly, my journey has been nothing like I imagined. I came from a conventional mindset, even worked at Infosys, but the actor in me never stopped. When I entered films with Madha, I had no idea how the industry worked—no guidance, no roadmap, just belief. There have been far more rejections than I expected, and I had to figure everything out on my own. But I stayed blindly optimistic. Today, I feel less lost and more at home in Mumbai. I truly believe persistence defines how long you remain an outsider—and I know someday, that label won’t apply to me.” Lastly, adding about her upcoming project, she says, “I’m currently doing a small part in Cocktail 2 and actively auditioning. Beyond acting, I love writing and performing poetry, so I’m always creating in some form. I’m just going to keep going—and hopefully, what’s next will soon be news in itself.”
23 March,2026 05:02 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentActress Shefali Shah uploaded an album of some rare behind-the-scenes moments from the shoot of her acclaimed crime drama, Delhi Crime, as the web series clocked 7 years of release on Sunday. Shefali wrote that even after such a long time, she continues to bask in the stardust of the captivating drama, which received a lot of love and praise from cinephiles. "7 years to the magic we created, and I still bask in its stardust. Delhi Crime - 1 (sic)," she penned the caption. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Shefali Shah (@shefalishahofficial) In addition to Shefali, her co-star, Rasika Dugal, also commemorated the occasion by dropping another set of BTS photos from the set of Delhi Crime season 1. The Mirzapur actress penned the caption, "In-between shots from a story we carried with care (sic)." While Shefali is seen as IPS Vartika Chaturvedi in the show, Rasika essayed the role of ACP Neeti Singh in the drama, which has received 3 seasons till now. In November, Shefali revealed why she was weeping upon the release of Delhi Crime 3. Shedding light on all the changes she made to her character in the third season, she wrote on social media, “I was terrified. It is the understatement of the century before Delhi Crime 3 dropped. I played a different side of Vartika this time. She felt the pain and anger with equal and more intensity, but instead of showing it, she channelled it into finding the girls. All situations require one aspect that's more prevalent than others. Certain situations need to be handled with power, certain with strength, certain with command, certain with force, and certain like this one, with compassion and empathy”. Shefali added that while she was not sure if the audience would be able to see her vision, when she read the reviews, she was overjoyed and even wept with relief. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
23 March,2026 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSOn March 19, Mirzapur: The Movie was announced as part of Prime Video’s slate for 2026. For Shweta Tripathi, it’s a big moment to see director Gurmmeet Singh’s crime drama series transition from a digital offering to a big-screen outing. While Mirzapur has been a testosterone-driven affair over its three seasons, focusing on Pankaj Tripathi’s Kaleen bhaiyya and other gangsters, Shweta noted that the series also has women wielding power in their own way. A case in point being her character Golu. “The power of women is beautifully written into these characters. The writers give them full-fledged story arcs. They aren’t playing second-fiddle to the men,” said the actor. She reflected how Golu has changed from the girl who preferred libraries over the chaos around her. “Golu was a reserved, intelligent girl. After the first season, people said that she brought a calm intelligence in the violent world. Over time, we saw her become stronger because of everything life threw at her.” The female force in ‘Mirzapur’ . Shweta Tripathi as Golu . Rasika Dugal as Beena . Harshita Gaur as Dimpy . Shriya Pilgaonkar as Sweety
23 March,2026 08:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Mohar BasuLast year, 20 celebs from the entertainment industry participated in The Traitors India. Hosted by Karan Johar, the reality TV show showcases contestants indulging in mind games and identifying a traitor among them in a palace. After receiving a positive response for the pilot season, KJo is returning with Season 2 with another set of popular personalities. While names have been kept under wraps, reports are rife that Mallika Sherawat has joined the show. Is Mallika Sherawat in The Traitors 2? According to a report in Variety India, the filming of The Traitors India Season 2 has begun in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. Mallika Sherawat has already joined the shoot. The actress’s name had been circulating in the media for over a month, although she had neither confirmed nor denied the reports until now. Before The Traitors, Mallika was rumoured to be a part of Bigg Boss Season 19. However, she denied the claims. Just like Season 1, Season 2 of the show will be shot at the same location, Suryagarh Palace. The palace is also where Sidharth Malhotra and Kiara Advani got married in January 2023. Season 1 featured a diverse lineup including Raj Kundra, Purav Jha, Sufi Motiwala, Anshula Kapoor, Maheep Kapoor, Raftaar, Ashish Vidyarthi, Jannat Zubair, Elnaaz Norouzi, and Lakshmi Manchu, among others. Uorfi Javed and Nikita Luther won the show. The Traitors 2 announcement A few days back, during the Amazon Prime Video slate announcement, the next season was announced. The synopsis read, “The Traitors Season 2: The breakout reality series featuring Karan Johar as the enigmatic host returns for a new season with 20 exciting celebrities. In this ruthless game, players will openly betray one another as they compete for a grand prize while trying to uncover the traitors hidden among them. Rise and shine, it’s dhoka time again!” On the professional front, Mallika Sherawat was last seen on screen in Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video alongside Rajkummar Rao and Triptii Dimri. She made her film debut in 2002 with Jeena Sirf Merre Liye, where she was credited as Reema Lamba. Her rise to fame began in 2004 with the Emraan Hashmi starrer Murder. Mallika later ventured into international cinema and featured in films like Hisss and Politics of Love.
22 March,2026 03:46 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentADVERTISEMENT
